Georgia Southwestern State University

Reginald Miles (2014)

My First Generation Story

My name is Reginald Miles and I am a first generation college student. I’m a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science at Georgia Southwestern State University, where I’m also active in TRiO Student Support Services. Being the youngest of seven under a single parent household, without a doubt, has made progress harder to achieve, but not impossible. There are some things I could have done better, if not differently, in the past. However, the past being irreversible is what allows me to become the self-motivated, confident and intelligent young man I am today and continue to become even more of every day.

Growing up in Albany, Georgia for the majority of my life has taught me valuable lessons that I am sure many relate to. Two lessons I really want to hit home for anyone that may read this are: 1.) It is very easy and comfortable to stay a follower throughout one’s life because it doesn’t require thinking independently and/or being yourself and 2.) Take initiative in every aspect of life. These lessons will forever stay true to me because throughout my entire school career, I struggled with being myself and exploring new possibilities/opportunities, especially when alone, because it seemed easier to follow the current trend/crowd.

It wasn’t until after my high school graduation that I started to be independent and allow change by choosing to further my education at a college many of my peers were not matriculating to. By doing so, I put myself in a position where I had to socially/academically fend for myself instead of relying on familiar faces for guidance. In other words, by forcing myself to be more independent, I was able to draw upon my own desires, thoughts, self-motivation, and potential to be my own man.

When I think about being the first in my family to attend college, it brings mixed feelings. Half of me is constantly happy because I know everyone before me has, one way or another, sacrificed something of their own to give me this opportunity; to have a family willing to do that shows they have faith in me. However, it is those very same sacrifices, and the fact they have not attended college before me, that gives me grief. Regardless of the reasons why college did not happen before me for them, I will push beyond my limits for a life we all can enjoy.

About the Student

Reginald Miles is a first generation college student at Georgia Southwestern State University, where he is pursing a degree in computer science.

Student Stats

Name:

Reginald Miles (2014)

Age:

21

Year in School:

Senior

Major:

Computer Science

Favorite Course:

Discrete Structures

Dream Job:

Entrepreneur

About the School

Georgia Southwestern State University cultivates excellence in learning and teaching that encourages intellectual, personal, and social growth for students, faculty, staff, and the community. Georgia Southwestern State University is a comprehensive state university within the University System of Georgia that offers a full range of bachelor degree programs, along with selected master’s and specialist degree programs.

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Know a first generation student at your school? Submit your story today! Narratives must be written in first person and be between 300-400 words. Please note, only undergraduate students at AASCU member institutions are eligible to participate. Submissions are limited to five per institution.